Rejoice, why?

Scriptures: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19-20)

Last Friday night, I went to our church to attend a meeting of our young adults’ fellowship. Yesterday, I went to our church for the first Sunday service of year 2009. In both occasions, everyone greeted each one with, “Happy New Year!”

Even though some aged brothers and sisters would add to their greetings something like, “I can’t believe another year has gone by!” or something like “It’s funny how time seems to fly so much faster when you are old!” but people were still excited over the start of a new year.

It seems to me that people, in general, love new things; new clothing, new cars, new houses, new toys, news, etc. Yet, interestingly enough, none of these new things last very long. They may stay in our closets, on our bookshelves, in our toy boxes, and our garage for a few days, months, or even years. But, long before they are disposed of, they would have been re-categorized as old. The joy they brought to our lives unconsciously but quickly fades away as they lose their newness.

Yet, Bible time and again tells us to be joyful. How can we be joyful always when our experiences seem to say differently? In today’s passage, Jesus gave us a couple of reasons to rejoice: 1) we have been given the authority to overcome the power of the enemy and, 2) our names are written in heaven. These are all great reasons to rejoice. Of the two reasons, Jesus demanded that we rejoice because our names are written in heaven. Why?

I think the answers lie in the meaning of having our names written in heaven. To me, it means: 1) since our Lord Jesus has paid the penalty for all our sins, we will not be subject to the judgment that sends sinners to eternal condemnation. This is definitely a wonderful reason to rejoice.

Secondly, I think it means that we are citizens of this Kingdom of God and, as such, we have been promised the protection and guidance of the almighty God. More than these, as Jesus our Lord has triumphed over the power of death and the power of Satan, we have all been made victors in Him who defeated that which once enslaved us. This triumph will be forever remembered and celebrated and, as such, is an everlasting reason to rejoice.

Thirdly, I think it means that we are children of the Most High God. Paul said in his letters to the Galatians, “So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7) Yes, because of Jesus, we can call God “Abba Father” and have a father-to-children relationship with Him. More than a life giving relationship, we have also been made heirs to all spiritual inheritances. Paul also said, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3) Every spiritual blessing in Christ? Wow! God has certainly showered upon us His blessings from His riches. Such love is definitely beyond our understanding and deserves the response of joy from us!

Last, but definitely not least, I believe it means that we have received eternal life before God. We are not simply children of God in this age or this life. We have been sealed for fellowship and communion with God for eternity. That eternal life of having fellowship with God starts the moment we acknowledged our need for salvation by Jesus. Though what eternity is all about is still beyond me. What I have received and enjoyed so far are already beyond my understanding. The infinite God desires to spend eternity with someone like me? I don’t know about you. But, to me, just the thought of it blows me away!

Over this New Year holiday, when every economists is giving gloomy forecast for our economy, have you lost your smiles on your face and your joy in your heart? If so, consider these thoughts on the promises God has made to us. He who is faithful will see to it that, when our names are written in heaven, we still have all the reasons we need to be joyful!

Prayer Requests:
For those who are facing financial problems in this problematic economy

Prayer:
Our precious Lord, thank You for reminding us who we are in Your sight. We want to embrace this new year with Your love and power so we may be Your instruments to touch and transform all lives You have brought before us. May You always be exalted in all our words and deeds and may this new year bring us closer to Your heart. In the name of our Lord Jesus, the name above all names, we pray, Amen!